Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews
5 Stars*****
If you love tales from the Knights of the Round Table, or if you just love a tale where chivalry is alive and well, then you are going to love this book! Author Dina Sleiman sweeps us away to a time alive with thrilling jousting tournaments, strong, brave knights and subdued, fair maidens.
From the first page, you are quickly drawn into the story with a personal account of what a courageous knight is thinking while facing the opponent. The excitement builds as the two began to gallop full-force at each other with lances at the ready; anyone witnessing this would never know the secret well hidden within the chain mail and armor; the brave well-trained knight is a WOMAN and her opponent, her maid!
Gwendolyn Barnes is not your typical lady in waiting, she is certainly not one to wait on life to pass her by. From climbing trees to sword playing with her two older brothers who are knights, Gwen is always out looking for excitement. There is no need for her to learn the quiet things a lady should know, she is too tall to be a simpering little lady at home waiting for her brave knight to show up; she wants to be that brave knight!! Until Gwen falls under the spell of Allen of Ellsworth, one of the former Ghosts of Farthingale Forest. Could Allen be the one man that could tame Gwen’s restlessness or will he be the one that sets her free to follow her dream?
What an exciting story this is, in my opinion, when Dina Sleiman decided to write the Valiant Hearts Series it was pure genius. The first story in the series, Dauntless was wonderful, but this one is by far my favorite. It may be listed under the young adult genre, but it is just perfect for anyone that loves excitement regardless of age. The characters are endearing and certainly courageous and brave despite being young. Even though it is set in the medieval times they face some of the same challenges young adults face today. If you are looking for an enjoyable time away from the mundane, grab a copy of this and be prepared to be swept away to an adventure of a lifetime!
For an explanation of how Ms. Sleiman came up with the idea for this exciting series click on this link; Valiant Heart Series to be taken to the Valiant Heart Series Blog.
You can purchase this amazing treasure and other books by Ms. Sleiman at AMAZON, CBD, and BAM.
GIVEAWAY: Ms. Sleiman has graciously offered a "Valiant Hearts Swag Giveaway" to one blessed commenter. We're also giving away an ebook copy of Chivalrous! *Please leave your email address using (at) or (dot) to protect yourself from spammers - so we can contact you if you are our blessed winner!*
For an explanation of how Ms. Sleiman came up with the idea for this exciting series click on this link; Valiant Heart Series to be taken to the Valiant Heart Series Blog.
You can purchase this amazing treasure and other books by Ms. Sleiman at AMAZON, CBD, and BAM.
GIVEAWAY: Ms. Sleiman has graciously offered a "Valiant Hearts Swag Giveaway" to one blessed commenter. We're also giving away an ebook copy of Chivalrous! *Please leave your email address using (at) or (dot) to protect yourself from spammers - so we can contact you if you are our blessed winner!*
I love stories about Knights! And it's my birthday today. :-)
ReplyDeletetinaturpin@hotmail.com
Well, then, happy birthday to you!
DeleteHappy Birthday Tina!
DeleteBlessings,Tina
Hi TINA, I hope you are having a wonderful birthday today and thank you so stopping by OWG.. Maybe you will be our winner and have a even more blessed birthday!!! :-)
DeleteThanks for having me today ladies! The swag giveaway includes a key chain, two pins, three bookmarks, two postcards, and a book flat.
ReplyDeleteDINA, it's always our pleasure to have you with us on OWG.
DeleteI love the cover of this book! When I saw it I knew it would be a book that I would love to read. It is now on my to-read list and am looking forward to read it. Thank you for your story and for sharing with a giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love that cover too. It's just perfect.
DeleteCINDY, that cover is so gorgeous I know you are going to love it.:-)
DeleteWonderful review, Teresa!! I just finished reading this book as well and LOVED it. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that :)
DeleteMARIAN, I knew you would love it, I identified with Grewdolyn, and how she felt being so talk. I would also like to think I could have been a warrior like she dreamed of becoming.
DeleteWow, the pic on the cover alone would tempt me to read this book... But then after reading that fabulous and exciting review of yours Teresa, I'm sold!! :)
ReplyDeleteYay! Some temptations are good to give into ;)
DeleteNOELA, you really should give in to that temptation, you won't be disappointed. I promise!!!
DeleteSuper excited to read this one now that I've seen this review. I read Dauntless and loved it. The idea of a lady masquerading as a knight? Happy reading swoon! Reminds me of Tamora Pierce's books and I loved them, though they are fantasy.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check those books out.
DeleteKAV, Chivalrous had me at the first page. I think I need to check those books out too.
DeleteThank you for the awesome review, my lovely cohort, TERESA! :) What a fabulous cover...I keep looking at it! lol
ReplyDeleteLook all you want! I certainly do.
DeleteDIANA from cover to cover, inside and out, Dina did a fabulous job!!
DeleteTeresa, thank you for the AMAZING review! I can't wait to read this novel. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it!
DeleteCARYL so glad you enjoyed the review, I hope you have a chance soon yo read it wonderful take. :-)
DeleteThis looks like an exciting book. Great cover!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely exciting :)
DeleteVICKIE, that cover is breathtaking isn't it!! Gwendolyn is marvelous in all of her glory!! :-)
DeleteI love how Dina conjours riveting heroines and stories out of history! Loved Dauntless, and looking forward to reading this one. dsks(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Sandy. Nice to see you here. Hope all is well.
DeleteSANDY, I adored Dauntless but there was something about Gwen and Allen that really grabbed my heartstrings! I know you will love it too!! :-)
DeleteThe book cover is really beautiful. It sounds like a really good book. I have not read anything by Dina Sleiman, but will add this to my oh, so long to be read list.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Tina
Thanks, Tina. I certainly understand about long TBR lists.
DeleteTINA boy do I understand about those towering and tottering TBR piles! Yes, I did say "piles", I have too many to count now and they have long ago spilled over!! ;-) Maybe you can push this one up closer to the top of that TBR!!! lol
DeleteI normally don't have time to come here and comment, but oh my goodness, when I saw this cover I had to take the time. Sounds like a fabulous story and just up my alley! or should I say turret? Congrats, Dina!
ReplyDeleteI love your books too, Mary Lu. I think it would indeed be right up your alley.
DeleteMARYLU, what a pleasant surprise!! WOW, how great is it to have two super-talented authors on at once!! Dina certainly has created a wonderful adventure with this Valiant Hearts Series!
DeleteAnother one that I am really looking forward to reading. I love the idea of strong women pushing the boundaries of their roles in society. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
ReplyDeletemomrain(AT)aol(DOT)com
Me too. When I thought about writing books for younger women, this was a message that was very important to me.
DeleteLORAINE, GWEN is a wonderful role model; she overcame a lot of terrible circumstances which I didn't include in my review...that was just a little teaser, now everyone has to grab a copy to see the rest of Gwen's story!! ;-)
DeleteBeautiful review, Teresa - thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI'm in total agreement with other commenters re: the beautiful cover. Such an interesting and unusual story line - one that's guaranteed excitement, I'm sure. I wasn't aware of women masquerading as male soldiers on the battlefield during periods of war - until I read the blurbs of some Christian Fiction books implementing this in their story lines, and the research behind it. I have very limited knowledge of knights, were there actually female knights - Dina??
There were occasionally females who were knighted, especially in France. It was rare, and it is uncertain if they actually fought. It has also been coming out recently that there were many female Viking warriors. And most certainly, medieval women learned to shoot with a bow and arrow and often fight with a sword. It was important that they knew how to protect themselves.
DeleteAs for my female knight, she's not an official knight, but she has trained as one and wants to fight in a tournament like her brothers. I think I managed to keep everything well with the realm of historical possibility, if not probability.
That's so interesting, Dina - thanks for the info!!
DeleteBONNIE you are very welcome. Dina, did a fantastic job with this storyline; even if we aren't 100% certain that this could have happened, the way the story unfolds you won't even think to question it! If you are like me, you will be so deep into the story, that all you will be doing is rooting for GWEN and hoping she gets to put that training to good use!! There a quite a few twists and turns that will keep you holding on for the ride that's for sure!! lol
DeleteLove the story line of 'Chivalrous', Teresa, and would love reading it for entertainment - but also love when Christian fiction books spur me to do some research on subjects I know little about, as this one has. Think I'll get it as a gift for my granddaughter, also.
DeleteThis sounds like quite an extraordinary read.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
MARY you are exactly right!! EXTRAORDINARY is a wonderful description for CHIVALROUS!
DeleteSounds like a winner to me!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
MELANIE, it certainly is a winner, and maybe you will be too!!! ;-)
DeleteI just picked up a copy of "Dauntless" not too long ago (not yet read), so adding this one to the mix would be awesome! I love brave strong women who stood up to the expectations of their time :-) Maybe it's the hidden rebel in me, haha!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the swag giveaway opportunity (and the ebook, of course) !
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
I hope you enjoy Dauntless and eventually Chivalrous too!
DeleteTRIXI reading DAUNTLESS and CHIVALROUS back-to-back would make for a great adventure that just might bring out a little rebel in all of us!! lol
DeleteNow this looks like a good read. kamundsen44(at)yahoo(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteKIM, oh that it a wonderful way put it! lol ;-)
DeleteI have Dauntless already and love the cover of Chivalrous! And the story sounds fabulous! I love that more and more YA books are becoming available that are great for our younger readers! And, we can enjoy them too! Thanks for that Dina!
ReplyDeleteForgot my email! Nancycooks4u(at)gmail(dot)com
DeleteNANCY, it is very exciting that there are great books that younger girls can read, good wonderfully exciting books that have wholesome story lines!!! Thanks for leaving your email!! :)
DeleteChivalrous sounds romantic and exciting, please add me to the drawing. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com